Saturday, July 25, 2009

Little Stitches.

How things have changed.

The other day I was in Ballarat to pick up supplies when I pulled up in front of this shop. Only 6 months ago that sign would have made my heart beat a bit faster. I would have raced inside and grabbed arm loads of those awkward, long bolts of fabric, dragged them through the aisles and to the counter where the checkout chicky would have gritted her teeth at my request for a meter of each.

I would have chosen spots, stripes, plains and florals because I might need them one day.

Like I said, things have changed.

I now know I have plenty of fabric at home and unless I start making women's wear I am set for a long time to come.

This time I was looking for yarn.

These delicious colours in cotton, wool and bamboo.

These small balls are what makes my pulse race now and they are so much more convenient to carry around the shop in a little basket while I make my decisions.

While hunting the internet for crochet washer patterns I have come across some cute teacup patterns which I haven't been able to resist.

As far as I can understand from my small amount of research amigurami is the Japanese art of crocheting little, cute objects. It uses cotton and fine crochet hooks.

After making 2 and a half cups and saucers I have learnt that amigurami single crochet (sc) stitches go through both loops of the previous stitch and that it is best to mark the start of each row, I used a safety pin.

There have been lots of form versus function debates raging through my head while I have been crocheting these mini stitches. After crocheting washers and dishcloths these don't seem so practical or useful but there are some very thirsty dollies about to wake up in their cradles who would love a tea party, I'm sure.

ohh how cute! your little ones would have loved them!!I would ♥ a cup of tea right now Kate :)went to the Abbotsford Convent market today, thought you may have been there. It was cold & windy but people still shopping!

I love these, and it fascinates me to see where you're taking your crochet. If the pieces don't have a clear function, does that make them art then? They remind me of those beautiful fabric mugs you used to make.

As for the fabric I am still most definitely stuck right in the middle of the 'building up the stash' phase which I ma enjoying immensely but yes, far out, lugging those bolts of fabric around can be a real drag!

Oh Kate, I had a giggle with your comment about the 50% sale....I think we are all going down that track at the moment.I went to a craft show recently and only came home with one fat quarter...lol...in days gone by I would have had to get help to carry my purchases to the car.

At the moment its all about getting the stash down...only purchases now are gorgeous buttons for embellishment and my never ending love-ric rac.You have a nice blog.Kind RegardsJudithhttp://creativestudio10.blogspot.com

I'm so glad you left me a comment, because it's led me to your blog, which looks fabulous! Thank you! And what a great link to these teacups! Thank you for this too, I love them. I, like you, prefer things to be functional, but sometimes, something like these tea cups comes along, and I think, wow, something wonderful, just for the sake of it.Love Vanessa xxx (do you mind if i knit)

I do read every single comment you leave and appreciate it very much, but I should let you know that I can be a wee bit on the useless side when replying to comments, that's just me, everyday life sometimes gets in the way....so I'll apologise now, just in case.